Do prisoners have legal rights?

The relatives of a man who is in prison, have taken control of the house his mother gave to him in her will on the basis that as a prisoner, he has no legal right to the property.

According to the prisoner, the crime he committed had nothing to do with the house. He said it was his plan to rent the house so he could have some money to spend when he was released from prison.

“I am so depressed and frustrated to hear what is taking place at my house because some of my relatives are saying I am a prisoner and have no right to own a house,” the prisoner said.

“My mother left the house for me in a will and all my relatives know about the will. I was the only person who took special care of my mother before she died. Now that I am in prison, some of the very relatives who did not visit my mother when she was sick are living at the house.

“I just don’t want to have them living at the house. I asked a friend to tell them that I want them to leave the premises, but they say they are not leaving. One of them even told my friend that I am a prisoner and have no legal right to the house. I understand some of my relatives are planning to borrow money using the title for the house. If they do that I know it would be forgery, but being in prison, it is difficult to stop them and my relatives feel they can do whatever they want with my house and get away with it.

“I understand that a section of the house is rented for $30,000 per month. My feeling is that I should be the one getting that money because the money should be lodged to my account at the bank. How do my relatives really expect me to survive when I leave prison? If they are robbing me of what is rightfully mine. They should be protecting my interest instead of plotting to rob me.

“My friend has promised to help me in any way he can to prevent my relatives from taking over my property. He is trying to find out the best way possible to help me. I would really like to know if my relatives are correct that as a prisoner I do not have a right to the house that was legally willed to me by my mother.”

Although you are in prison, you are still the owner of the house. You will have to appoint an agent to conduct your affairs until you are released from prison. There are certain relevant documents you will have to sign in order to get someone appointed as an agent for your property. You have indicated that your friend is willing to assist you, so you can ask your friend to consult a lawyer on the issue.

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Do prisoners have legal rights?